Insight Security

How to Choose the Right Size Security Chain

22-09-2023

Identifying and selecting the right size security chain for a particular application can be tricky. In this latest post we present our latest advisory video and provide the pointers you need to make the best security chain selection.

People are increasingly shopping online for almost everything. Between 2017 and 2022 offline sales dropped from around 90% down to 86% while online sales escalated over the same period from around 9.5% to 13.6%. When shoppers were asked which products they most bought online rather than offline clothing topped the table with a massive 43% of those surveyed reporting they shopped for clothes on the internet. Consumer electronics was the next most popular online shopping category followed by media (books, videos, music etc.), shoes and household appliances.

When shopping for anything online its always important to select the right size. If the wrong size is ordered there is inevitable disappointment when the product arrives and further expense and inconvenience in returning the item and hopefully getting the right size.

Security chains can be heavy and incur high carriage costs. Getting the chain size selection wrong can therefore be a far more significant issue than picking the wrong size clothing.

What to Consider When Selecting a Security Chain

When shopping for security chains there are a few basic questions that need to be answered. Importantly, you need to consider exactly what the security chain will be used to secure. For example, a security chain for locking high-value exposed items in place isn’t likely to be a suitable, portable security chain for a bicycle.

You also need to consider exactly how the security chain will be practically used. A robust security chain to lock high-value exposed items, such as boat-trailers or caravans for example, can be much heavier than a portable motorcycle security chain. If a security chain is required to be easily carried this mustn’t be overlooked.

And when considering how a security chain is intended to be used its important to think about what the chain is required to encompass. A chain suitable for securing a valuable item, such as a ride-on mower or ATV, to an immovable anchor point inside a private garage is likely to differ from a security chain that will wrap around a lamp-post on a public road.

Another important consideration is budget. The generally recommended rule-of-thumb for investing in security is to allocate around 10% of the secured item’s value to be spent on security. So if the aim is to secure a motorcycle that’s worth around £10K then it makes sense to spend around £1K on security.

Security chain quality is another vital consideration. The level of security offered by any security chain is affected by a number of factors including the diameter of the chain links, whether the chain links are welded and have they been case-hardened or through hardened. Sold Secure labs offer an approved product search facility that includes security chains. This is the best resource for identifying high quality security chains that have been subjected to rigorous testing and approved for use in various contexts (motorcycle, pedal cycle, quad & ATV etc.)

Security Chain Size Classification

Security chains are classified by their chain link dimensions. You will typically find security chains specified as 22mm, 19mm, 16mm or 13mm. This dimension refers to the diameter of the metal in the chain links.

If you take a look at the Sold Secure security chain ratings you will see how the impressive Pragmasis 22mm Titan chain has achieved the highest possible Diamond rating for Powered Cycle (Formerly Motorcycle) applications.

The Squire TC16 Motorcycle Chain has 16mm hardened steel chain-links enabling it to achieve the Sold Secure Powered Cycle (Formerly Motorcycle) Gold rating. So this excellent security chain isn’t quite as tough as the 22mm security chain, but is still an excellent choice.

And another excellent security chain that’s achieved Sold Secure Gold rating for Powered Cycle (Formerly Motorcycle) applications is the Pragmasis Protector 13mm chain which has also met the stringent security criteria to achieve a Diamond rating for Pedal Cycle (Formerly Bicycle) applications.

Size Factors to Consider When Selecting a Security Chain

Chain link dimensions are clearly an important factor that mustn’t be overlooked when assessing security chains. Another important aspect of chain link dimension is the aperture size through which the security chain must be passed. For example, a security chain may need to be easily threaded between the spokes of a motorcycle wheel and pass through an aperture in a ground anchor. And its also important to recognise how the protective chain sleeve featured on some high security chains must also be considered. Our 19mm protector chains have an overall chain link width of 66mm and this high security chain along with its tough protective sleeve will comfortably pass through the 70mm aperture in our Big Boy ground anchor.

aperture size for security chain — **Aperture Size Required for Security Chains**

The second vitally important security chain size factor that must be carefully determined is the chain length. When considering the required length of a security chain its important to think about exactly how the chain will be used and what it will attach. If the chain is to be wrapped around fixed objects such as posts then it must be long enough to cope with the post diameter while enabling the chain to secure the item with a suitable padlock.

ground anchor with security chain — **Big Boy Ground Anchor with Sleeved 19mm Security Chain**

Long-link security chains allow the end link to be passed through another chain link far enough to enable a suitable padlock to be locked in place. Long-link dimensions are not large enough for the whole chain to be threaded through the link.

Noose chains feature end-links that differ from long-link security chains. The final chain link on a noose chain is large enough to allow the chain, including its sleeve, to pass through, forming a noose. This enables the noose chain to be conveniently wrapped around one or more items that need to be secured. The other end of the chain is then securely attached to an immovable anchor point which can be enclosed within the noose.

When determining the required length of a security chain its important to remember that security chains should ideally be kept off the ground to enhance security by preventing a hard, concrete surface from being used as an anvil to break the chain. High security chains are available in lengths up to 3m.

Another important chain attribute that shouldn`t be overlooked is the chain weight. We provide weight metrics for all of our security chains such as our 19mm protector chains that weigh-in at a hefty 6.3kg per metre.